Mazda 3 vs. Nissan SE-R Spec V

[ucdchan]

I've been looking for a new year for awhile now. I was leaning toward the SE-R Spec V (175HP 185torque) because they have a $2000 cash back promotion, which drop the price to $14,000 (My friend got $15,600 out the door price in US, California). Anyways, Since they lower the Cash back now ($1500 now), I've been looking around for other options. The Mazda 3 seems to be a good choice after reading through tons of reviews.

So what you guys think? How does the two compare(Pros/Cons)? If you were given a choice to own one of these car, which one would you go for?

 

[ucdchan]

Oops.. I think I put this in the wrong section. (hand) Please delete. Thanks.

 

[+ friction]

What is most important to you? Aesthetics, reliability, spaciousness, uniqueness, HP?

 

[ucdchan]

I'm looking for aesthetics and reliability, and a little bit of uniqueness. HP is not a huge deal for me, but I don't want something like a Corolla S. My budget is 20k.

 

[+ friction]

With a $20K budget, have you considered a Mazda6 (you'll pay a little more than 20K)? My vote is for the 5 door based on looks, and you are guaranteed the 2.3 on the 5 door as well.

 

[stdntDrvr]

i'd go with the spec-V...super nice car...a good friend of mine had a highly modded mazdaspeed and he was walked by a spec-V with an intake and full exhaust.

 

[katsmp3]

My boyfriend has a spec-v.. Check out what it can look like with a body kit.. go to www.topsecurIT.com and click on Justin's car.

I didn't like the car at first... but a couple changes make ALL the difference

 

[CHICO2003]

The Mazda 3 is a more upscale-economy car with a fresher look while the SE-R V has more performance. Either car is a solid choice but for different reasons. Ultimately, since the Nissan's been on the block a while, price might be what makes it a better choice.

If it were me and I wanted to stay within 20 grand, a slightly used WRX would be the way to go.

 

[lasermp5]

^ I totally agree... get a used WRX

 

[MarkSpecV/M3S]

cars'

We own Both!!!

I got my SE-R Spec V in 03' and starting in $16k range ,what new car can compare?? LSD, 6spd, tight handling, produces more tq. than hp!! 17" factory wheels.

We got the Mazda 3 S in December and have loved it !! Very modern is all I can say. Interior wise it makes my car seem boring. So if your for style and looks I like the Mazda, now if your going for performance/handling I would go w/ Nissan. We haven't autocrossed the Mazda yet, it does handle great though , just doesn' t have the lowend power like the Nissan.

They are both starting in $16k range' both great cars!!

 

[rookie]

It's not an easy choice as others already indicated...

I personally don't love the looks of the Spec-V, so I'd want to go aftermarket there a little.

I drive a 2.5 Altima (also well uder $20 K, just so you know - and same engine) - and can say that the engine is AWESOME. My wife drives a P5 and it is cool, but - well, it is a just different.

In my larger Altima that 2.5 gets me about 30 MPG easy on my daily commute (about 60% highway) - something my wife's P5 can only dream about, even though it is 1/2 l smaller engine and I dunno how many horses weaker. That is a 2.0 engine in that P5 though, so depends - 2.3s might be better, not sure.

Between those cars, I'd buy and Altima . I mean Sentra and then mod it a little to look better. But that's just me. I am not a speed and HP freak myself, but I would not part from that low end torque that I have now unless I really had to

 

[03BlkMicaSPD]

I almost bought a SE-R and drove it for 2 days. I sat in the 3 and drove it today and I have to say its no comparison, the Mazda 3 is such a nicer car. The specV handles good but thats all it has on the 3. The three is just as quick to me and it just is alot better made car. like a lexus compared to a camery...just my 2 cents

 

[Poseur]

A good friend of mine's got a spec-V THat I've gottne the oppertunity to drive QUITE hot, and I'm really not the biggest fan of it. The term "clunky" comes to mind all around. the steering, the supension, the shifter, the styling still reminds me of the nx2000 eggishness, and as far as handling goes, it's got a stiff suspension, yes, but I really don't think it even handles all that well. Dress it up however you want, and use however many spiffy terms fo rit as you can, but the thing's got a freaking solid beam rear suspension for chrissake! I honestly think my P5 feels better, a little softer, yes, but I can hang with him in the twisties as long as there aren't many straights where that engine comes into play... and OH that engine... Thing's got some scoot, you can't deny that. And in a torquey american kinda way that you wouldn't expect from a little 4banger with a 6 speed. I'd say the SpecV is more of the camaro kind of choice than the lotus.

I'm really suprised noone's pointed out Mazda Speeds. There's a couplefew left brand new scattered around the country, and they've got a $2500 rebate as well. puts you in the same price range. But putting it against a 3, in a styling contest I think prettymuch across the board Mazda's really got it figured out. And as far as reliability, etc. the 3's have ALOT going for them. the joint with Ford's focus platform may sound ick, but it's honestly SUPER solid, and the king of thing that billions of dollars were invested in to make work right.

 

[tkhawaii]

Although I have my MZ3-5, I say, get the Nissan. Why? Rebates, superior engine, parts galore, and it does rip when asked to. I've seen a totally stock Spec-V wax tricked civies and the likes. Lighten the Spec, throw on some superlight Volks, sticky rubber, Stage 1 the engine and enjoy a Friday night... for comfort, everyday cruising and tireless long distance trips... buy the Mazda.

 

[badAzLava3]

Nissan makes some interesting cars, no doubt.

The original SE-R in the early 90's was a personal fave.
An old Dats 510 was my school car in grad school.

The only knock against the Sentra's has always been suspension travel.
They don't have much, which makes them a less than awesome track car.
Road racing isn't a true judge of a car used every day, but it does tell you something about behavior at the limits.

The motor is an absolute gem. Good motors can make you overlook a multitude of sins, like harsh ride, wind noise, motor buzz and thin paint.

Since Renault bought a controlling interest in Nissan, some things have gotten a little more iffy. Fit, finish, dash materials, and to some extent reliability, as parts suppliers changed. It's also already a 5 year old design, with that body type introduced in late 99, so of course it's overdue for a restyle, and some upgrades.For only a little more, a Altima 2.5 is a lot more car for the money.

The Spec V has great numbers on paper, but also poor resale, high insurance costs, and more than a few TSB's floating around.

I think big rebates happen when sales are slow, or when models are about to get a facelift.

I think a $14,000 Spec V is always a better deal than a $20,000 Mazda 3, if you plan on keeping it for a long time.

I also think a $16,000 Spec V is not as good a deal as a $17,000 Mazda 3, all things else being equal.

 

[Dave2521]

Although I have my MZ3-5, I say, get the Nissan. Why? Rebates, superior engine, parts galore, and it does rip when asked to. I've seen a totally stock Spec-V wax tricked civies and the likes. Lighten the Spec, throw on some superlight Volks, sticky rubber, Stage 1 the engine and enjoy a Friday night... for comfort, everyday cruising and tireless long distance trips... buy the Mazda.

A totally stock 3 could wax tricked civics... done it already lol. Civics are SLOW!

... just my .02 ...

 

[BinaryRotary]

i'd go with the spec-V...super nice car...a good friend of mine had a highly modded mazdaspeed and he was walked by a spec-V with an intake and full exhaust.

Wow, he must be a really bad driver cause I smell BS.

 

[BinaryRotary]

Doesnt th spec v have a solid beam rear axle? If it does ....... GARBAGE. Might as well buy a turbo dodge daytona with a new motor and tranni and save 14k.

 

[tkhawaii]

A totally stock 3 could wax tricked civics... done it already lol. Civics are SLOW!

... just my .02 ...

You go boieee.... LOL!

 

[03BlkMicaSPD]

Tonight I walked away on a 2003 SpecV in my Speed at stock boost, (No controller installed due to dealer visit) I have no other mods and he was stock. But I had 4 people in my car and he was alone. Look at the Sport Compact article that compared the MSP and SpecV and all the other $20000 compacts. SpecV was best at 15.9 and in 5th place, and the MSP was in 2nd under the insanely powerful SRT-4, and ran a 15.5. At 89 miles an hour, 4 tenths is a handful of car lengths... MSP driver counldnt drive if he was highly modded and got walked by a spec-v with just a header and exhaust. Hot Shots header adds around 8-10 HP, and full exhaust might give him 5 more. Backpressure is important on an NA car.